Sun 30 Aug 2009
What is Algebra?
Algebra is a broad component of mathematics that uses abstraction by replacing alphabetic characters for numbers. This abstraction is the very reason why most people find algebra scary and too difficult to handle and it is the same reasons why some students find it fun to play around with. Algebra topics extend from working with inequalities to factoring binomials all the way to finding the inverse of a matrix. Most individuals get down to try Algebra by adding, subtracting, reducing and simplifying fractions. later on, they would move on to more advanced stages of solving algebraic equations using the greatest common factors and converting fractions in to decimals.
Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…
There are numerous advanced themes. To start off with there are exponents. An exponent is the little number placed to the right and slightly above a number or algebraic expression. An example is (x + y)3 where the 3 is the power and denotes the power to which that number is raised. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. In working with exponents you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. You can work with fractional and negative exponents. If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, then you can move on to radicals. A radical, simply put, is the undoing of an power. The V beside 4 denote a radical expression which means, the square root of 4, which equals 2. The opposite exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. Additionally, powers can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided by radicals. Radicals can be changed into powers and powers back into radicals. If powers and roots aren’t enough, there is always graphing. Start with graphing straight lines and determining if the line is horizontal or vertical or something else. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Furthermore, try and see if you can find the slope of a line. you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will chance on a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Out There
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t sweat. There are many resources out there that can help you master complex systems of equations, quadratic formulas and polynomials. The custom is to settle for a math tutor, but the latest algebraic software are no different. In fact, they are as good as math tutors. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these tools can assist you become an algebra guru in no time.
